Sacramento Open: A Historic Showcase of Pickleball Talent
Highlights from the APP Sacramento Open
The APP Sacramento Open, which took place from April 30 to May 3, featured remarkable performances and a significant moment in pickleball history as top players competed fiercely in California. Sofia Sewing achieved an impressive triple crown, while Ammar Wazir made a triumphant return to the singles championship. This 2026 tournament highlighted the growing competitiveness and talent within the APP Tour.
The men's singles event met high expectations with all top 10 players participating. Wazir, who had been absent for a considerable part of the 2025 season, showcased his skills by defeating Beasley and Boyer before overcoming No. 5 Patrick Kawka in the final with scores of 9 and 7, marking his first APP singles gold since October 2025.
In the women's singles, several surprises unfolded. Australia's Roos van Reek triumphed over both Pretorius and Huynh before being eliminated by top seed Sewing in the quarterfinals. Additionally, No. 14 Emilia Schmidt achieved a remarkable victory against No. 3 Oshiro, marking a significant milestone in her career. Another Australian, Seone Mendez, upset second seed Kat Stewart in the quarterfinals and pushed Sewing to a thrilling final, which Sewing won 12-10 in the decisive game.
Sewing's success extended into mixed doubles, where she teamed up with Casey Diamond to secure gold without losing a single set. In women's doubles, Sewing and Fudge faced tough challenges in both the semifinals and finals but emerged victorious, adding another title to Sewing's accolades. This achievement marked a rare Triple Crown for Sewing, making her only the 15th player in APP history to accomplish this feat, and the first since Will Howells did so in Fort Lauderdale last April.
The tournament also highlighted new partnerships and rising stars. Former PPA players Vivian Glozman and Quang Duong made notable appearances, while van Reek celebrated her first APP professional medal following a strong performance in women's doubles. By the conclusion of the week in Sacramento, the APP Tour reaffirmed its role in the sport's rapid growth, showcasing elite competition, inspiring comeback stories, and fresh talent eager to leave their mark.